Jules Kounde talks Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Spain and penalty against France

Jules Kounde has been one of France’s standout performers in the ongoing European Championship.

Playing as the team’s regular right-back, the 25-year-old averages a whopping 2.2 key passes per game and has created two big chances in the process.

France have yet to score a goal from open play in this tournament and are clearly far from their best. Kounde’s dynamic presence on the wing, however, has remained one of the team’s most potent attacking outlets.

If the Frenchman keeps his form going, a first-goal contribution appears on the horizon given his consistency and quality on the field.

Kounde aware of Lamine Yamal’s threat

The defender spoke to the media in a recent interview (h/t Fox43) where he talked in depth about his role in the French National Team and the upcoming clash against Spain in the semifinal of the Euros.

Kounde was first asked if he had spoken to Lamine Yamal ahead of the epic showdown, to which he said, “No, I didn’t send him a message. I spoke with Pedri a little though about his injury.”

Jules Kounde is set to take on his club teammates. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The defender was then asked in particular if he saw Yamal as Spain’s biggest threat, but Kounde refused to place any such tag on the teenager.

“He is a big part of the danger, but I’d say that the biggest danger is their team as a whole.”

Elaborating on the young Spanish phenom, Kounde recalled the first time he trained with Yamal and the magic he displayed with his feet.

“Yes, he is amazing. I think having a season like his at a young age and with all the expectations and pressure is really amazing.”

Kounde’s take on his penalty against Portugal

Kounde produced an ice-cold finish from the penalty spot to help France in their shootout win against Portugal earlier this week. Speaking about his kick from the spot, the defender said,

“When I took the penalty for France, I wasn’t nervous, I was confident. I practised the penalty kick a lot in Barcelona and also at France.”

Finally, the Barcelona star was asked about his role in Les Bleus’ setup especially given how he has stood out playing as the team’s regular right-back.

“Just like the team, I’m doing very well in this tournament. I feel comfortable. Like I said, I have the trust of the coach and my teammates.”

“I feel good in this team and in this system. So, I always try to do my best, and so far, things are going really well,” he added.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​